The American Red Cross and Assemblyman Al Stirpe, D-North Syracuse, are sponsoring the blood drive.

Stirpe said in a news release that he helps "sponsor the Lifesavers Party every summer when blood donations typically decrease by up to 15 percent."

“Blood shortages occur during the summer months because families are on vacation, schools are out and donating blood is not on the top of people’s minds,” Stirpe wrote in the release. “About every two seconds a blood transfusion is needed to save a life so it’s very important that we all do our part to keep the blood supply healthy during the summer months.”

Local, regional and state organizations will participate in the health fair. Organizations will provide free health screenings and seminars, preparedness and First Aid information, smoking cessation information and other health-related demonstrations.

Some organizations that plan to be at the event include The American Cancer Society, AARP, Benefit Specialists of NY, Community General Hospital, Crouse Hospital, Meals on Wheels, The National Kidney Foundation, NAVAC, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Upstate University Hospital.

“The Lifesavers Party and Health Fair is a great event for families, seniors and individuals,” Stirpe said in the news release. “In addition to the blood drive and health demonstrations, we’ll be offering refreshments, live music and prizes.”

About Donating Blood

To donate blood, there's a four-step process: Registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments. The entire process lasts about 45 minutes, although the actual donation takes about eight to 10 minutes.

To donate, you must bring a valid photograph or signature identification, be healthy, be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds.

“One pint of blood can save up to three lives," Stirpe wrote. "Whether you’ve donated before or it’s your first time, I strongly encourage you to come by and give blood – you could save a life.”